Saturday, January 19, 2013

Side Saddle Hunt in Ireland today

Evelyn Glynn riding side-saddle in Co. Meath today

In Ireland, side-saddle riding is undergoing a revival. In Navan. Co Meath today some 50 riders met, all elegantly attired in their finery. An overcast, muddy day was not going to deter this enthusiastic group of sports women.

The organizer is Susan Oaks who currently holds the world record in side-saddle high jumping, clearing 5ft. 9 ins. on Brandy and Red at Aintree, (England) racecourse in July. The previous record was achieved in 1915 in Sydney.

Video shows Susan Oakes securing world record

In its second year, the Irish Side-Saddle Hunt has attracted for this event, women from around the world. Participating this year are France's Lady Antoinette de la Bouillerie, Lady Martha Sitwell, socialite and former face of Ascot Races, Jewellery Designer Phillipa Holland and Lucy Holland.Visitors from Italy, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Belgium will join the Irish side saddle riders who range in age from 8 yrs old to late 60's. Wearing side saddle habits, many handed down from generations, in navy, black or tweed.

Susan Oaks securing the world record

Oakes will ride her German stallion SIEC Atlas today. Recently she completed a one day event in France, taking on all three categories, dressage, cross-country and showjumping while riding "side-saddle"

My nice, Evelyn Glynn, while relatively new to the art of side-saddle riding is no stranger to the equesterian world. Securing a jockey's licence at a young age, she advanced to show jumping and is a regular rider with the Hunt.

Thank you for an interesting post, and bringing such good news. Side saddle riding always looks both difficult and beautifully elegant. As a child I lived next door to a lady who sometimes rode side saddle, with an appropriate black suit and it fascinated me even then; just like the Queen. It must be lovely to have a niece involved.

A warm welcome to my blog and yes as you said, it is good news. Thank you for sharing that beautiful story about your next door neighbour all those years ago. Evelyn, my niece loves the sport and has tremendous respect for all of her fellow riders.

Hello Helen:Such grace, such style, such elegance. We had no idea, until now, that side-saddle was, if you like, a very separate and distinct form of equestrian sport. And how splendid it is that there is, very clearly, so much interest in it.

Like you I knew side-saddle existed and such a graceful and elegant practice. They hunt on beautiful grounds and weather does not seem to deter them. I hope the weather warms a little in BudapestHave a wonderful week my dear friends

This fascinates me because having ridden horses, I would think it would feel quite vulnerable to be perched on the side like that, plus very off balance for the horse and rider. Obviously not though. Thank you for that, I've learned something new today.

It must be difficult riding side saddle, I found it hard enough staying on a horse just riding the usual way.It does look very elegant though and the attire is beautiful. When I was very young Navan was the first example of a palindrome we were taught!

This art/sport intrigues me enough in the "male" style of riding, but even more so as the women have to build up another set of muscles and mental skill to achieve and maintain mastery! And to add, it is SUCh A BEAUTIFUL SPORT TO WATCH!

I love horses, the countryside of Ireland, and the people. Thank you for sharing AND for coming to see just a tiny portion of the miracles of what stand outside our window at dawn. Anita

I recall your love for horses and Spotty Pony being a favourite. I would love to try side-saddle and one day when next in Ireland will probably be brave enough to at least ride in the paddock.As an Irish woman, I thank you for your compliment on Ireland and her people.

I can't help wondering how they can keep their balance, jump and do all the stuff they do, whilst "perched" on a horse!This sport would be no good for me: I love hats, but hats don't love me. Horses run away when they see me, and I run away when they come too close. I once got on a scooter and almost fell off the side of a hill, so... no... not for me, though I am quite graceful,even elegant, and I quite like tweed!

The ladies look very elegant and beautiful. I find it interesting that side saddle riding seems to be having a revival. I thought only The Queen and princess Anne did it!

Thank you for the lovely pictures, Helen. I love the way you stay in touch with your beautiful Ireland, a wonderful Country!

This sport really looks so graceful and the ladies so elegant.I would love to see the ladies riding sidesaddle. Your grandaughter Evelyn.. has truly mastered the art..and looks so fine upon her mount.I am sure that you would have also loved to have been there Helen.Like Anna wrote.. I really do not know how they dont fall off.Nice to hear of your stories from your lovely Ireland.thank you Helen.Happy Sundayvalxx

I admire their ability and balance. How comfortable can it be? And why is it, that the ladies actually prefer this to "regular" style? I am just curious. Being an occasional rider myself, I have a hard time imagine staying on.... Forget about jumping....Amazing!Thank you for your kind remark, I will follow your advise!xoxo

I believe this is a skill and a style of horseback riding which dates back to Victorian times and perhaps before. How great you ride. I am very anxious to try and will have my niece give me lessons one day soon.Kindest regards

Oh, I love these pictures! The elegance and the spunk of these wonderful women is truly commendable. Having no experience of horse-riding whatsoever, they inspire me a great deal. Kudos to your niece for achieving so much at so young an age.

Elegance and spunk describes these brave women so well. I hope you get the opportunity to ride one day, it is a wonderful experience. Evelyn is very talented, she is also a musician, singer and Irish dancer.Some members of the family get all the gifts!! hee he

Hello Helen,What an amazing blog! I love the wonderful old photos and the new ones too!There is a grand hunt near us Zetland/Raby in the north-east of England and it's still held every Boxing Day/New Year. I learn't about riding at The Australian Equestrian Academy in Queenscliff, Victoria, I thought that if I lived in Oz I would need to be able to ride a horse. I learned more about dressage than galloping across the countryside. I was never much good at any of it because I was frightened of the fall to the ground.Cheers Gillian

The black and white photos, while looking old, were taken last week. I am sure you are an accomplished rider, having taken lessons in Australia. Like you, I have respect for horses having had a few tumbles.Have a great week

Hello Helen, I too am concerned about the comfort of riding in this manner, but never let it be said that I am too stuck in my ways to shy away from new experiences, or positions. Will I need a special saddle?Sx

Thank you for your comment Helen! It is indeed a very different climate on the other side of the ocean. But what a great details in the pictures! My eye fell mainly on the beautiful clothing and accecoires of horse riders.

The costumers are beautiful and so classic. Many are handed down from generation to generation although in looking at the images of the riders following the event, the mud and wear must take it's toll on them

Thank you Helen for educating me more on the world of side-saddle riding. What an exciting sport and everyone looks so regal. Your niece looks stunning on her horse in the black and white photo. So very impressive! I hope you have a lovely weekend Helen. The snow has been washed away here and it's rather gloomy / :

What fascinating post! I had no idea there was a side saddle revival going on!It looks a very elegant way to ride, but it looks like it might be more difficult jumping - must be less secure sitting sideways rather than being balanced with legs either side of the horse? Not being a rider this is just a thought from one who knows nothing of this!The black and white photographs are wonderful.Thanks for such an interesting post Helen!Gill xx

I agree with you that skill is required when jumping and it must be all about balance. I am fascinated by the sport and have tremendous respect for these women. I understand there is wonderful comraderie amongst the women riders too and age is irrelevant.Have a beautiful week

Oh how I love this post; I was here a week ago and my heart just jumped out of my chest! I LOVE HORSES and I am enchanted over how women can ride side saddle. The muscles that have to be strong to maintain that position!!

THANK YOU for coming to visit and to view my art...it is simple and ME. I could never paint like you...if I did, I fear it would look like the work of that elephant that used to paint with her trunk!!!!!!!!!!

I know you love horses, harps, literature and art. I hereby declare you an Honourary Irish Woman. I know you would master the art of side-saddle in no time and maybe even give us a few chords on the harp, following. What a beautiful thought.Wishing you a brilliant day and weeek

Wow! First I adore horses.. they are magnificent, majestic creatures that have an amazing spirit. Secondly, it's wonderful seeing such elegance in riding. Women being REAL women, showing their feminine side but yet clearly .. all athletes in their own right.

Hello Helen,The ladies look so elegant- like characters from a Georgette Heyer novel. I'm not a great rider and I can't imagine what courage it takes to jump sitting side saddle! What an interesting piece- many thanks Jane xx

Well, who knew there was such a thing as sidesaddle hunting? Only I'm a bit confused with the jumps; is it still called a hunt if they aren't chasing a fox with a bunch of hounds? I googled and apparently there is still fox hunting in Ireland, another benefit of being independent, I suppose. Not that I'm a fan of the sport, but it's always interesting to learn this sort of thing. Thank you so much for following my blog, I'm really honoured.

Hi Helen I am from New Zealand I have also hunted aside. Reading about your wonderful hunt with the Royal Meath has definitely put it on my bucket list of things to do. It sounds like a fantastic time was had by all. Side saddle is also increasing in popularity in New Zealand though mostly in showing classes, there aren't many of us mad enough to jump yet!